In the year 2000, The Quad Cities Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, referred to as QCLEOM, became a reality. The vision to create a fitting and honorable monument, was inspired by Detective Gene Karzin, a Rock Island Police Detective.

The QCLEOM organization is a a committee comprised of both Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's) and Gold Star family members. The LEO's on the committee represent the various law enforcement agencies of both the Illinois and Iowa Quad Cites and surrounding area.

Police Officer's, Sheriff's Deputies, Bailiff Officer's, Corrections Officer's and Federal Agents, are remembered for their "ultimate sacrifice". This includes not just LEO's who died in the Q.C. Area, but also up to a 50-mile radius, from the Rock Island County Justice Center.

The QCLEOM exists because they don't. "They gave everything, so we could be protected and served".

The QCLEOM organization is a 501(c)3 volunteer-only organization. The first volunteers on the committee worked non-stop raising funds to cover the initial startup costs of building the monument. Now, fundraising efforts are needed to sustain the monument and cover the costs associated with annual public events and unfortunately, new tragedies. Monies raised are through donations and primarily the sale of "Police Memorial T-shirts" and other items that can be found in our website store.

The QCLEOM strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by the loss of a fellow LEO, or the family members left behind. "Gold Star" family members are forced to proceed through life with an aching void that will never be replaced.

We understand that not all police agencies have a chaplain. In response to this need, we adopted a dedicated police chaplain, The chaplain serves the needs of any police agency, officer or Gold Star Family member when called upon. Our chaplain will also supplement police agencies that do currently have their own police chaplain, if requested by their Chief, Sheriff or their designee.

There are 46 local officers and 1 Bettendorf Police Explorer represented on the walls of the QCLEOM Monument and the "Rolling Memorial" squad car.

QCLEOM's goal each year, is to inform and educate the public about the sacrifice LEO's make every day, whether they have died in the line-of-duty or are actively serving in this capacity. This goal is facilitated each year through the organization of both an "Officer's Appreciation Dinner" and a "Police Memorial Service". The general public is encouraged to attend any of the events, held in April or first weekend in May.

Churches on both sides of the Mississippi River take turns in hosting the annual police memorial service. Immediately following the interactive church service, a motorcade of police vehicles and Gold Star Family members proceed to the Rock Island County Justice Center for the conclusion and wreath ceremony.

One of the things that makes QCLEOM unique is the involvement of the Gold Star Family members who serve on the volunteer organization. This allows for peer-support and keeps QCLEOM grounded in it's mission.

If you wish to help make a difference, please consider participating in our annual events, or making a financial donation.

If you are a LEO or Gold Star family member who would like to participate, please send us a message. One of our most difficult challenges is to locate family members of deceased officers. If you have information that could assist us in inviting these Gold Star Families, it would be much appreciated. In addition, QCLEOM needs pictures of fallen officers, from Muscatine PD, Cedar, Whiteside and Henry County Sheriff's Departments.

Gene Karzin - Founder Q.C.L.E.O.M

History